Eco-friendly features shine at the WTC

A look at the sustainable features at the World Trade Center.

On the 11th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, the World Trade Center site in New York City is in a constant state of motion and the rebuilding process is in full swing. The new World Trade Center (WTC) buildings will include a bevy of sustainable features that maximize energy efficiency, reduce waste and minimize the environmental impact of buildings of this size.

World Trade Center Towers 2, 3 and 4 are being built with the goal of achieving LEED Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC). Green features planned for these three buildings include:

Tenants will have outside views from more than 90 percent of occupied spaces

Low VOC paints

High-efficiency plumbing that will reduce water use by a minimum of 30 percent

Rainwater collection systems

50 percent of the wood used onsite will be certified as sustainably harvested

Preferred parking for fuel-efficient vehicles

Although only these three office towers are targeting LEED Gold certification, sustainability is a theme that can be found throughout the entire World Trade Center complex.

The highlight of the new WTC complex is the 1,776-foot tall Freedom Tower, also known as 1 World Trade Center. Green features planned for the Freedom Tower include interior spaces designed to maximize daylight opportunities, a rainwater harvesting system, renewable energy power sources, a comprehensive construction debris recycling program and facilities for employees that choose to bike to work.